Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: loren on December 06, 2010, 07:29:14 PM

Title: New computer MOB needs Parallel port
Post by: loren on December 06, 2010, 07:29:14 PM

I have an old PC runing my CNC lathe.  I would like to have a new system to replace the the old PC.  The current gen of PC's don't have parallel ports installed on the MOB.  Will a parallel port card added to the PCI slot work as replacement?  What changes do I need to make to the new system?  I am running Win XP operating system.

Thanks

Title: Re: New computer MOB needs Parallel port
Post by: tivoi on December 06, 2010, 07:34:58 PM

yes, i think it will work with PCI to LPT card

Title: Re: New computer MOB needs Parallel port
Post by: Jeff_Birt on December 06, 2010, 10:30:41 PM

Some PCI LPT cards will work and some won't. You'll want to make sure you get one with 5V outputs. Also make sure that the card does not take any drivers, it must be a true parallel port not a printer port.

The other option is to use an external motion control board such as a SmoothStepper, KFLop, etc.

Title: Re: New computer MOB needs Parallel port
Post by: andrewm on December 07, 2010, 04:06:20 PM

An external motion controller would cost more but would be a better choice, in my opinion.

Title: Re: New computer MOB needs Parallel port
Post by: loren on December 07, 2010, 06:06:06 PM

Where can I go to learn about an external motion controller?

Title: Re: New computer MOB needs Parallel port
Post by: Jeff_Birt on December 08, 2010, 08:04:08 AM

Well I'm biased towards the SmoothStepper: http://www.soigeneris.com/SmoothStepper-details.aspx (http://www.soigeneris.com/SmoothStepper-details.aspx), look in the documentation section (link on left of page) for the manuals, etc. (Disclaimer, this is my website.) There is also the KFlop, and DSPMC, Galil, etc...

Title: Re: New computer MOB needs Parallel port
Post by: loren on December 08, 2010, 04:46:27 PM

Ok thanks

You  have been a big help.